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Free HIV testing
The Erie County Health Department, through a prevention grant from the Ohio Department of Health, is able to provide free HIV testing to the residents of Huron County. The HIV test site is located at the Huron County health department, 180 Milan Ave., Norwalk.

Norwalk Reflector Staff

Jul 25, 2010

Free HIV testing

The Erie County Health Department, through a prevention grant from the Ohio Department of Health, is able to provide free HIV testing to the residents of Huron County. The HIV test site is located at the Huron County health department, 180 Milan Ave., Norwalk.

The Unigold (10-minute) and Ora-Quick Advanced (20-minute) tests have become a popular option for many. A finger stick is required. No longer does a person need to wait a week or longer for results. The 20-minute testing is free, and a $10 fee will be needed to charged for the 10-minute tests.

Hepatitis C testing is also provided through the HIV test site for those persons who have a risk for the disease of Hepatitis C. Those risks are explained when a person is tested for HIV.

HIV testing is the only way to know, with certainty, whether one is HIV positive or HIV negative.

The telephone number to make an appointment for HIV testing in Huron County is (419) 668-1652.

CPR re-certification

Fisher-Titus Medical Center will offer a Healthcare Provider CPR re-certification training classes from 1 to 3:30 p.m. July 13 at the hospital, 272 Benedict Ave., Norwalk. The cost is $15.

Participants will be trained in adult and pediatric CPR, as well as adult and child choking response techniques. To register or for more information, call FTMC at (419) 660-2646.

Local blood drive

Fisher-Titus Medical Center, 272 Benedict Ave., Norwalk will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.July 20 at the hospital auditorium. Donors are required to bring a list of medications they are currently taking and an I.D. n Healthcare Provider CPR course

WILLARD - Mercy Hospital of Willard's education department will be offering the American Heart Association's (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR course. The course will be held from 5 to 9:30 p.m. July 19 at the conference room at Mercy Hospital of Willard.

This course is intended for participants who provide health care to patients in a wide variety of settings including in-hospital and out-of-hospital.

Upon completion of a written test and required demonstration of skills, classroom participants will receive a card from the AHA that is valid for two years. The fee for the course is $40. Register by calling (419) 964-5350.

Nurse praised

WILLARD - Hospitals across the state united to recognize 86 health care heroes including nurses, radiology technicians, social workers and more who were nominated for this year's Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year Award, presented by the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA).

Barb Frisch, LPN, a swingbed nurse at Mercy Hospital of Willard, was one of the nominees honored.

Frisch has worked at Mercy Hospital of Willard for 35 years. She has worked all shifts and in nearly all areas of the hospital. As the swingbed nurse, she coordinates nursing care and activities of patients in need of transitional care.

"Barb puts her entire heart and soul into nursing," said Erica Reilly, a co-worker at Mercy Hospital of Willard.

Frisch provides the patients with arts and crafts, outdoor activity and spiritual opportunities. As part of the swingbed Christmas activity, she coordinates a hat and mittens tree, which are later distributed to local schools for children in need. She has coordinated a Pet Day, where employees bring in their pets for the swingbed patients to enjoy. She also organizes coloring contests where swingbed patients are judged, and many other imaginative and innovative activities.

"We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all of our healthcare professionals at Mercy Hospital of Willard," said Bob Gospodarek, president and CEO of Mercy Willard. "It is rewarding to see one of our nurses receiving the recognition she deserves."